The voyage of the Duke of York holds a prominent place in the history of South Australia as the first ship to land European settlers on its shores at Nepean Bay, Kingscote Kangaroo Island. This historic journey marked the beginning of a significant chapter in the development of the region. The Duke of York, under the command of Captain Robert Clark Morgan, was one of the ships of the South Australian Company, tasked with establishing a settlement and advancing the vision of a free colony. The ship was fitted as a whaling vessel so the amount of passengers that were on the trip were limited.
Setting Sail for a New Frontier
The Duke of York set sail from London on February 24, 1836, carrying the hopes and dreams of its passengers. The vessel bore 42 passengers, including settlers, laborers, and officials, along with essential supplies for establishing the fledgling colony. As part of the South Australian Company’s fleet, its mission was to secure a foothold in the newly proclaimed Province of South Australia, a land that promised freedom and opportunity.
The Journey and Arrival at Kangaroo Island
After months at sea, navigating through challenging conditions, the Duke of York reached Kangaroo Island on July 27, 1836. This marked the first official landing of settlers in South Australia. The island, chosen as the initial settlement site, offered a sheltered harbour and abundant natural resources, making it a practical choice for the early settlers.
Upon arrival, the passengers disembarked and began establishing a settlement at Kingscote. This location became the first European settlement in South Australia. While the island’s isolation and challenging terrain ultimately led to a shift in focus to the mainland, the landing at Kangaroo Island was a critical step in the colonisation process.
Legacy of the Duke of York
The Duke of York and its passengers laid the groundwork for South Australia’s development. Their pioneering efforts demonstrated resilience and determination in the face of uncertainty. The ship’s historic voyage is a testament to the courage of those who sought to create a new society based on principles of free settlement. Today, the story of the Duke of York is celebrated as a foundational moment in South Australian history, reflecting the spirit of adventure and optimism that defined its settlers.
Among the early settlers of South Australia aboard the Duke of York were Samuel Stephens, the Colonial Manager for the South Australian Company, and his deputy, Thomas Hudson Beare. Accompanying Thomas were his wife Lucy, their four children, and his elder sister, Charlotte Hudson Beare. Charlotte’s journey to the colony was as much about family support as it was about seeking independence in a new land.
Born in Winchester, Hampshire, Charlotte was baptised on March 21, 1788. Four years older than her brother Thomas, Charlotte was an unmarried woman who had reportedly shared a substantial legacy with him. Her decision to join the voyage likely stemmed from both familial duty and a desire to escape the societal constraints of the 19th century. Onboard, she took on the role of caregiver to her brother’s children—William (10), Lucy Ann (9), Arabella (5), and Elizabeth (2)—particularly after Lucy Beare suffered complications during labor, tragically losing the baby and experiencing severe mental distress for the remainder of the voyage.
A Scandalous Romance
During the voyage, Charlotte caught the attention of Samuel Stephens, whose overt courtship caused friction with her brother. Thomas Beare’s discomfort stemmed not only from the 21-year age difference between the two—Samuel was 27, and Charlotte 48—but also from concerns over propriety and Stephens’ intentions. Despite Thomas’ objections, Charlotte embraced the relationship, which continued after their arrival at Kangaroo Island on July 27, 1836.
Following their disembarkation, the situation grew even more controversial. When Lucy Beare’s health necessitated care ashore, Charlotte moved with the children into Samuel’s tent, where he reportedly guarded them at night. This unconventional arrangement sparked considerable gossip among the settlers. The tensions between Samuel and Thomas escalated, but Charlotte acted as a mediator between the two men. Ultimately, her relationship with Samuel culminated in marriage aboard the John Pirie in Nepean Bay on September 24, 1836, with Captain George Martin officiating. The union elevated Charlotte’s social standing and liberated her from the restrictive expectations of a middle-aged spinster.
A New Life in the Colony
By April 1837, a substantial brick-and-stone house had been built on Kangaroo Island for Samuel and Charlotte, though it is unclear if they ever resided there. Charlotte had also purchased two acres in North Adelaide during the first land sales in 1837. The couple left Kangaroo Island when Samuel was replaced as Colonial Manager by David McLaren. Settling in Adelaide, they hosted the colony’s first Methodist service at their home in May 1837.
Meanwhile, Thomas Beare and his family remained on Kangaroo Island, where Lucy Beare gave birth to their last child, Mary Ann, on September 3, 1837. Tragically, Lucy passed away the same day. Once again, Charlotte stepped in to support her brother and his family, easing the earlier tensions between them. Thomas eventually resigned from the South Australian Company in 1838 and relocated to Adelaide.
A Legacy of Kindness and Resilience
After Samuel’s untimely death from a horse-riding accident in January 1840, Charlotte settled into a quieter life in North Adelaide. Renowned South Australian author Catherine Helen Spence described her as a kind and devoted woman who maintained close relationships with her nieces and nephews. Charlotte made a rare public appearance at the celebrations for the opening of the New Port in October 1840.
Charlotte Hudson Stephens passed away on December 16, 1875, at the age of 93. Her obituary noted that she retained her faculties to the end, and her intimate knowledge of South Australia’s early days made her an engaging conversationalist. She left her estate to her brother’s descendants and second wife, Lucy Bull, and was laid to rest in West Terrace Cemetery alongside her niece Elizabeth, who had traveled with her on the Duke of York nearly four decades earlier. Charlotte’s story remains a testament to resilience, independence, and the vital role she played in supporting her family and the fledgling South Australian colony.
Passenger List:
BEARE Arabella Charlotte
BEARE Elizabeth
BEARE Gertrude H.
BEARE Lucy Anne
BEARE Lucy Anne jr.
BEARE Thomas Hudson Superintendent of Buildings and Labourers
BEARE William
HAMILTON W.H.
HAMILTON Mrs. W.H.
HAMILTON W.R. (?)
MAISEY George
MASSING G.
MITCHELL Thos.
MITCHELL Henry Butcher
NEALE D.
NEALE John Assistant Carpenter
POWELL Chas. Gardener
SCHREYVOGEL D.H. Clerk
STEPHENS Samuel 1st Colonial Manager of the South Australia Co.
WEST William Gardener
Crew List
BATCHELOR Thos.
BRANAN Geo.
BUTLER Henry
CARTWRIGHT Geo.
CLAIDEN John
CLAVELL Wm. Edward
COREY Julian
DORRINGTON Geo.
FORBES Chas. B.
GLANSFORD Geo.
GLORIUS Octavius
GREEN Henry
JAMESON Jos.
JONES John
LIDDIARD Thos.
MARSHALL Thos.
MAZERY Israel MAISEY (?)
MORGAN Robert Clarke Captain
PORTEUS Andrew
PRITCHARD Fredk.
RICHARDS Wm.
RICHARDSON 1st Mate
RILEY Jas.
RUSSELL Robt. 2nd mate
SPRATLEY W.R.
THOMPSON Chas.
WELLS Wm.
WILLIAMS Wm. ..
